Archive for the ‘Discover Poland’ Category

Planning to spend Christmas in Poland? Nothing can be more magical than spending the Christmastime in Poland! Throughout the entire country, major cities, towns and villages celebrate this special time of the year in the most festive of ways. From Christmas tree decorating in charming market squares, to caroling in the streets and churches, to holiday food at Christmas Markets and traditional Christmas Eve Wigilia Dinner, to gift shopping for one-of-a-kind handicrafts made by local artists, Christmastime in Poland is truly unique and magical!

The Royal Castle Square at Christmas in Warsaw, Poland

Poland Culinary Vacations has launched a 10 days/9 nights The Magic of Christmas Markets in Polandtrip so that our guests can experience the festive Christmastime in Poland in top cities starting in Warsaw then on to Poznan, Wroclaw and ending in Krakow with a day visit to Zakopane.

Here are just some highlights of what’s included in the trip itinerary:

Here are locations for each of the Christmas Markets in the cities we’ll be visiting and 2017 open dates – the Christmas Markets are scheduled at about the same time each year with some date changes possible for special festivities and events:

Warsaw

Christmas Market in Old Town & Royal Castle Square
November 25 – January 7

Poznan

Poznan’s Bethlehem in Old Town & Freedom Place
November 18 – December 22

International Ice Carving Festival in Poznan
December 9 -10

Wroclaw

Christmas Market on Old Town Market Square
November 25 – December 23

Krakow

Christmas Market on the UNESCO Old Town Market Square
November 25 – December 26

Plan a getaway to POLAND with FAMILY & FRIENDS November 28 – December 7, 2019 on “The Magic of Christmas Markets in Poland” tour with Poland Culinary Vacations (our 2018 Christmas Market trip to Poland is SOLD OUT but please email us at info@polandculinary.com if you’d like to be added to a waiting list in case of any cancellations). This 10 Days/9 Nights Christmas Markets adventure in Poland will start in Warsaw and end in Krakow/Zakopane with stops in Poznan and Wroclaw along the way! All of those cities have spectacular Christmas Markets with plenty of additional holiday festivities.

Visit this beautiful sky bar on the 40th floor of the Marriott Hotel in Warsaw and you’ll find yourself in the highest hotel rooftop bar in all of Europe! Cocktails and snacks are superb. Try all eight flagship cocktails which are named after Warsaw’s popular locations, taking guests on a journey around the tastes of Warsaw.

The View is located on the 32nd floor and rooftop of the Specturm Tower in the center of Warsaw and offers panoramic view of Poland’s capital city. It can accommodate up to 500 guests. There is a DJ booth, circular bar, 28 tables with sofas providing 200 seats. An added attraction is the VIP section which can accommodate about 50 guests.

In the summer, Krakow visitors can enjoy the sky bar and summer restaurant situated on the top floors of Hotel Stary. The terrace offers a unique view of St.Mary’s church and the Cloth Hall on the Main Market Square while the summer restaurant offers a unique panorama of Cracow’s historic towers and rooftops.

This rooftop restaurant and cafe certainly offers the most beautiful view in Krakow: the Wawal Castle and the Vistula River! Great place for a relaxing afternoon with delicious dessert and coffee or a full meal at the restaurant.

Hotel Monopol’s Sky Bars are great places for any social events or romantic evenings under the stars and are surrounded by the Gothic church and offer views of the historic Opera House and the contemporary National Music Forum building.

Café Museum is a unique place in Wroclaw. It is located on the roof of a building which now houses the Contemporary Museum in Wrocław and it used to be an old shelter. Café Museum is a glazed rotunda with a large terrace, where guests can admire the panorama of vibrant Wroclaw. The cafe offers aromatic coffees and teas, homemade cakes and a large selection of liquors.

Taras VIP is located on the 10th floor of the Amber Tower overlooking the beautiful Motlawa River and offers panoramic view of Gdansk. It is one of the most popular places in the Tricity – Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia – to visit and enjoy delicious food, drink and atmosphere.

Christmas time is the most magical period of the year in Poland. The omnipresent atmosphere of kindness and happiness created by the presence of both locals and foreign visitors celebrating together is contagious.

The best thing about Christmas in Poland appears to be the combination of Polish traditions and customs together with the hospitality of the local people. Everyone seems to be more friendly, helpful and sociable than at any other time of the year. One can feel this unusual aura, at the main market squares in largest Polish cities like: Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, Olsztyn, Toruń etc.

Christmas market in Wrocław, Lower Silesia region of Poland

Evening at the Christmas market in Krakow, in the Lesser Poland region

Christmas markets are the best places to meet with friends and relatives and have a cup of mulled wine or mead. It must be remembered that Christmas markets, which are set up every year a month before Christmas Eve, are a part of Polish tradition.

That’s why you should definitely consider visiting Poland during that time! Christmas markets offer unforgettable artistic and culinary events. At the markets you can purchase beautiful Christmas decorations such as: hand-made glass Christmas tree ornaments, tinsels and Christmas lights. You can also become a happy owner of a real Christmas tree. The joyful atmosphere at the markets is additionally created by the sound of Christmas carols, played in both Polish and English. However, the main attraction of each and every Christmas market in Poland remains nativity scene. The one in Krakow presents hand-made figures of the Holy Family and some replicas of Krakow’s famous monuments.

People listening to Christmas carols at the Christmas market in Wroclaw

Foreign visitors feel tempted to come to Christmas markets where they can learn about Polish traditions, get original presents, and try some home-made treats and products originating from various regions of Poland, e.g. meads, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread or oscypek – smoked sheep cheese made by highlanders from Podhale region.

Christmas ornaments for sale at the Wroclaw Christmas market

Gingerbread hearts for sale at the Wroclaw Christmas market

“It’s amazing to be here – said Graeme from Ireland. It’s my first time in Cracow (Krakow) and I’m impressed! I wasn’t sure about coming to Poland at winter time because my Polish friends told me that winters here are very cold and severe. But now I realize that the decision I have made was totally right! I’ve just bought some Christmas decorations for my parents and I’m sure that they’ll love it!”

Holiday display at the Main Market Square in Wroclaw

Here are dates for 2016 Christmas Markets – Jarmarki Bozonarodzeniowein various major cities across Poland:

The newly opened European Solidarity Center in Gdansk and Emigration Museum in Gdynia, Poland have been added to our sightseeing itinerary during“Coastal Cooking in Pomerania and Gdansk” cultural and culinary vacation in northern Poland, on the Baltic Sea coast.

Emigration Museum in Gdynia, Poland

European Solidarity Center in Gdansk, Poland

View Power Point presentation about both attractions and make sure you visit these special places on your next vacation to Gdansk and Gdynia, Poland.

Wroclaw, the capital of Lower Silesia, is located in south-western Poland. Sometimes referred to as the Venice of Poland because of its numerous waterways, Wroclaw is uniquely situated on twelve islands interconnected by over one hundred bridges. A multicultural metropolis rich in history and charm has caused many to consider the area to be one of Eastern Europe’s most beautiful cities.

Beautiful Wroclaw Market Square

Wroclaw is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with history dating back all the way to the year 1000. After suffering a substantial damage in 1945 as a result of World War II, Wroclaw was rebuild to become the breathtaking city it is today. Its rich history plays a large role in the cultural diversity seen throughout the area today.

Wroclaw gnome

When it comes to things to do in Wroclaw, there certainly is no shortage. While in Wroclaw, visitors can experience the flavors of the world, with excellent cuisine from Poland, Russia, Italy, France, and Germany. The city is sure to please beer lovers as well, since many bars and pubs in the area serve Polish beer alongside independently brewed beers.

The Market Square in Wroclaw offers some of the most wonderful restaurants and bars of the city. Many of the unique and architecturally beautiful hotels in the area are well known specifically for their restaurants and the chefs who create their masterpieces.

Outdoor dining on Wroclaw Market Square

In September there are two exciting events that attract thousands of people every year. Wroclaw’s Kitchens and the World Cookery Book Fair are both amazing culinary festivals that welcome everyone to participate.
Home to Hala Ludowa, or the Centennial Hall, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Wroclaw offers an easy way to combine both culinary and cultural wonder so visitors can indulge in amazing food and architectural wonders at the same time.

Waterways of Wroclaw, Poland

A Japanese Garden filled with lush greenery also resides in the city. Set up in 1913 by count Fritz von Hochberg, it is a place of beauty that is well worth the visit. Wroclaw is also home to the Botanical Garden located in the oldest district of the city. Over 7,000 different plant species are featured there.
Nine museums, several theaters and music centers will satisfy your craving for history and culture. In fact, for 2016 Wroclaw has been designated the European Capital of Culture! Wroclaw is definitely a city where one will never be left looking for something to do.

To view 2016 Poland Culinary Vacation to Wroclaw which also includes visit to the annual Polish Pottery Festival in Boleslawiec Click here

Krakow was Poland’s capital city until the end of the sixteenth century when Warsaw was deemed the country’s new capital. Krakow’s rich cultural history is on display in Gothic and Baroque architecture visible at every turn. Art galleries, museums, and theatres abound. Its close proximity to neighboring capitals and access to art and entertainment make it Central Europe’s cultural heart. In fact, in 1978, Krakow’s Old Town locals know as the Stare Miasto was inscribed as a World Heritage site by the UN’s Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Beautiful UNESCO Krakow Market Square

Krakow balances an intellectually and visually stimulating environment with a vibrant nightlife, attributable in large measure to the thousands of students and teachers who flock to its 18 universities. Known all over Europe for its trendy spots, hidden hangouts, and sumptuous restaurants, Stare Miasto has the highest density of bars and pubs of any World Heritage Site. Political and historical debate over a couple of glasses of Zywiec, Zubr, or Tyskie, polskie piwo (Polish beer) served in these ubiquitous pubs and cafes might just be the citizenry’s favorite pastime.
Krakow’s visitors can best appreciate Poland’s heart and soul by opening its kitchen door and sampling its cookery. Its easy to see how Krakow earned a well-deserved reputation as Poland’s food capital. Residents earnestly embrace every occasion with fantastic cooking. Since 2004 when Poland joined the European Union, international cuisine offerings have steadily increased in Krakow along with the number of foreigners and tourists. Dining rooms in its one-of-a-kind hotels offer outstanding cuisine.

Polish oscypek cheese available grilled at a festival in Krakow

Can you imagine eating at a restaurant in business passing on the Polish passion for food to countless generations for nearly seven centuries? Krakow has one. Frequent weekend-long outdoor food festivals highlighting food producers and restaurateurs’ favorite dishes delight locals and visitors alike. May’s Soup Festival and the mid-August Pierogi Fest have achieved great popularity. With free samples, displays, markets, cooking contests, joyful Polish music and other entertainment, these exceptional festivals add to the bustling city’s unique charm. Poland Culinary Vacations can plan a travel itinerary that combines festival outings with other visits to Malopolska (Lesser Poland) region UNESCO world heritage sites.

Gourmet pierogi made at the Culinary Studio in Krakow

Poland Culinary Vacations is Poland’s premier choice for custom-tailored, personally guided gastronomic tours. From Wesele’s restaurant regional and traditional offerings to Trzy Rybki innovative nouvelle preparations. Poland Culinary Vacations is your best introduction to this country’s varied culture and marvelous cuisine. PCV also lends a hand to its clients in registering for one-day Polish cooking classes. Participating in a cooking course at Krakow’s Culinary Studio is an excellent way to recapture the smells and tastes of Poland in your own home.

Our cultural and culinary vacation on Poland’s Baltic Sea coast, “Coastal Cooking in Pomerania and Gdansk” is full of exciting activities an entire family can enjoy. This summer, especially, we’re thrilled to add two more cultural attractions to our itinerary while touring Gdansk and Gdynia: The European Solidarity Center in Gdansk and Emigration Museum in Gdynia.

Many unique and interesting attractions await visitors to Poznan, the capital of Greater Poland region in the west of Poland. Those who will travel with Poland Culinary Vacations on our NEW in 2015 “Culinary & Cultural Adventure in Greater Poland & Poznan”will discover the history and beauty of the following top five spots and more, starting with:

Old Market Square – the Heart of the City – undoubtedly, the Renaissance Town Hall has been the most prominent structure in the Old Market Square, having served in the past as an office for the municipal authorities. Most probably, the first town hall had been built in the second half of the 13th century. The fire that consumed it in 1536 prompted the construction of the current structure that garners the wide admiration for its unique beauty. It is the only one like that in Poland thanks to the work of an Italian artist Giovanni Battista di Quadro from Lugano. He gave the Poznan Town Hall the most original shape and Renaissance styling. The head-bucking goats atop the tower which emerge every day at noon to mark the middle of the day, have added an entertaining aspect to the building have charmed Poznan citizens and visitors since the time of it’s construction. Delightful cafes, restaurants and pubs can be enjoyed today when visiting Poznan’s Market Square.

Poznan Old Market Square with the Renaissance Town Hall

Royal and Imperial Route – follows Poznan’s history. The first rulers of the Piast dynasty resided in Ostrow Tumski. Later, the castle erected on the Przemysl Hill frequently hosted royalty. Poznan was visited by emperors several times. The German emperor Otto II was first of them and visited in the year 1000. In 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte made Poznan the capital city of Europe just for a few days. Another castle, erected in 1910, was built for Wilhelm II. This Royal and Imperial Route begins in the Srodka district and ends in the so-called “castle district”.

Church of Saint John of Jerusalem – it is one of the first Romanesque churches built in Poland at the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries by the order of the Saint John of Jerusalem. Inside the church are four items worthy of interest: a late Gothic triptych depicting the conversation between the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, a 16th century sandstone baptismal font, a 15th century lattice in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and within this chapel a miracle cross that once used to mark the road to Srodka.

Poznan Parish Church

Ostrow Tumski – is where visitors can admire the beauty of the Saints Peter and Paul of the Apostles cathedral with a 15th century three-nave basilica plan, an ambulatory surrounding the presbytery and a series of chapels around its perimeter. On the ground floor is the Chapel of the First Polish Rulers – Duke Mieszko I and King Boleslaw Chrobry – also known as the Golden Chapel. Surrounding the cathedral visitors can visit: a 13th century Church of the Blessed Mary, a late Gothic psalterium and several 19th century canonries and the Archbishop’s palace.

Royal Castle – in the 13th century, two Piasts, Duke Przemysl I and later his son King Przemysl II built a massive castle on the Pzemysl Hill. It was used to tower over the Market Square. To this day, only the Gothic basement remains of what used to be the oldest royal residence in Poland. What is standing today is the 18th century version of the castle rebuilt after WWII. Currently, it houses the Museum of Applied Art.

Since we’ve launched a NEW trip for 2015 to Greater Poland, “Culinary & Cultural Adventure in Greater Poland and Poznan” we would like to tell you more about this off-the-beaten path western region in several blog posts to encourage you to travel with us to Greater Poland and discover for yourself the natural beauty, history, adventure and delicious regional cuisine that awaits travelers to the region.

Poznan, Poland Market Square

Greater Poland region – in Polish called “Wielkopolska” – is located in basin of Warta river. It is situated on the crossroads of the main European East-West track leading from Berlin to Moscow. As a result, the region has very favorable location and can be easily reached by car, train or plane from other European destinations as well as the rest of the world.

Palace in the beautiful Greater Poland countryside

Greater Poland occupies the area of 11,516 sq. miles which is around 10% of the Polish territory. Approximately 3.4 million people, which is 8.7% of the whole population of Poland live in Greater Poland. The people of Greater Poland are famous for being among the most industrious and hospitable in Poland.

Regional food made in Greater Poland

The capital of the region is Poznan, a city with population of about 600,000 people and growing. Due to its cultural, tourist, economic, commercial and scientific significance, the city is considered the center of western Poland. Poznan can be reach via Lawica Airport which offers both domestic and international flights.

During our new trip in 2015 “SPA & Wine Vacation in Southern Poland & Krakow” we’ll spend four days in the beautiful Polish town, located south-east of Krakow – Krynica-Zdroj. Krynica-Zdroj is the biggest SPA town in Poland and often called “The Pearl of Polish Spas”.

Historic pump house in Krynica-Zdroj, Poland

Krynica-Zdroj is a very popular destination for both domestic and international visitors at any time of the year. Most visit Krynica-Zdroj to take advantage of health benefits of the mineral water coming from twenty native springs at various pump rooms and relax and rejuvenate in local spas. During winter Krynica-Zdroj is popular with skiers and provides Poland’s longest cable-car ski lift to Mt. Jaworzyna Krynicka for scenic area view.

Historic downtown Krynica-Zdrój, Poland

Krynica also offers vibrant concert niche which includes the Jan Kiepura Festival of Arias and Songs held here every August. The historic downtown with a central pedestrian promenade is enjoyed by many people and offers unique cafes and restaurants.